Italian agriculture faces production drops due to extreme heat

Extreme heat and water scarcity are significantly impacting the Italian agricultural sector, particularly fruit and vegetable production. In the Trentino-Alto Adige region, the 2026 apple harvest has begun early due to high temperatures, though production is expected to decline. Estimates suggest an Italian apple production decrease of 2%, with more significant drops in Trentino (-9%) and Alto Adige (-2%).

Agricultural organizations, including Coldiretti and Confagricoltura, have raised alarms regarding the rising costs of energy, water, and labor, alongside the physical damage caused by sudden hailstorms. Farmers are facing a difficult economic landscape where increased production costs for irrigation and defense against pests are not being met by sufficient market prices.

In regions like Emilia-Romagna, severe drought conditions have been reported, with the Po river reaching critical lows and saltwater intrusion threatening agricultural lands. The combination of heat stress, irregular precipitation, and high nighttime temperatures is also affecting grape maturation and other seasonal crops, forcing farmers to adjust irrigation schedules and labor management to protect yields.